Guyana chronicle 07 01 14

GUYANA No. 103701

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

TUESDAY JANUARY 7, 2014 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $60

INCLUDING VAT

GRA launches US$4.3M mobile container scanner

The new mobile scanner, with a container at left

Rohee says Opposition is biggest impediment to economic development

Page 3

Minister Clement Rohee

Harbour Bridge to close several hours tomorrow night

Page 2

Body found at Liliendaal…

Old Year’s Night Five teenagers nabbed in murder accused car rented by murdered remanded Page 5 dreadlocked man Page 7 until February 10 Injured wife still laid-up after husband Page 5 murdered in attack on Mahaicony home

-significant boost to revenue collection drive, compliance with tax & trade laws

Page 2

President agrees to some initiatives to assist miners

President Donald Ramotar

- joint approach needed to fight crime in mining areas

Page 8

Hours after being arrested for larceny…

Prisoner disarms constable, shoots 5 corporal dead Page

Brumell orders immediate investigation, cites negligence

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

GRA launches US$4.3M mobile container scanner

By Priya Ali THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday launched its state-of-the-art mobile container scanner, which will significantly boost its operations.

Speaking at the official launching of the brand new US$4.3M scanner at the National Park in Georgetown, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said, “This scanner and inspection system represents an extremely important addition to the hardware of our Government, and in particular of the GRA, in ensuring compliance with our laws, in particular our tax and trade laws; and protection of our revenue”.

He said acquisition of the scanner brings Guyana into compliance with international standards, and he pointed out that some of the country’s major trading partners, including the United States, now require universal scanning of incoming containers.

“The acquisition and implementation of this scanner enables us to be in compliance with those international obligations; therefore, prepare and equip Guyana to play its expected and intended role in the international trading system,” he added.

Dr. Singh, moreover, said the scanner represents an important part of “our artillery in ensuring completeness and accuracy of declarations” with respect to exports and imports.

“This is an extremely important part of ensuring the integrity of inward and

-significant boost to revenue collection drive, compliance with tax & trade laws

Officials in front of GRA’s mobile container scanner. Standing second from left are Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin and Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh. Second from right is Commissioner-General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur outward trade, and ensuring the integrity of our revenue; ensuring the accuracy and completeness of declarations, and by extension, therefore, the accuracy and complete-

ness of enhancing our revenue collection efforts,” he insisted.

The Finance Minister declared: “The mobilising of this scanning system represents an

important part of the strengthening of the GRA’s capability to discharge its important statutory responsibilities.

“The acquisition and deployment of this scanner at

the very substantial value of US$4.3M represents the latest manifestation of the highly valued relationship that exists between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China,”

he posited.

The minister reminded that the scanner was acquired through a grant provided by the Government of See page 9

Harbour Bridge to close several hours tomorrow night

By Leroy Smith THE Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) will be closed to vehicular traffic from approximately 21:30 hrs tomorrow night until approximately 04:00 hrs on Thursday morning, in order to facilitate critical remedial works which have become necessary when the bridge suffered serious damage after a fuel tanker slammed into its structure on Sunday morning.

DHB General Manager, Rawlston Adams made this announcement at a press conference held yesterday afternoon, when he disclosed that the pilot of the vessel involved in the accident had failed to follow the directions of the bridge traffic controllers.

The vessel slammed into the bridge and caused it to go out of line, precipitating the decision not to retract the bridge until certain works have been completed. It therefore means that the first retraction for the bridge after that incident will be on Thursday morning, provided that the works to be undertaken are successfully completed.

Mr Adams told the media that it would be risky attempting to retract the bridge, since it may likely encounter challenges in closing.

Among the works which have to be carried out on the bridge itself and other supporting facilities as a result of the accident are locating and fixing two clusters (the piles which were driven to protect the retractor span); fixing of four connecting posts; and remedial works to a damaged pontoon and the anchorage, which has also been compromised.

According to GM Adams, once the timing of the DHB personnel have agreed to is strictly observed, and works go as planned, everything should return to normalcy by the scheduled time of Thursday morning, since all the materials for the remedial work are in stock.

He said the DHB has stocked the requisite items in the event of occurrences such as Sunday morning’s. No cost has as yet been placed on the works, since an investigation has to be launched.

However, Adams told the media that the company which owns the vessel has committed to paying for the damage.

The vessel is not registered locally; it was rented by the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), although the pilot at the time was a Guyanese.

In recapping what was reported on the morning in question, Adams said there was one vessel scheduled to transit the bridge at 05:00 hrs, but at about 04:55 hrs, the vessel’s pilot was instructed to prepare to transit, and at approximately 05:15 hrs the bridge had been fully retracted and the captain was instructed to transit.

However, as the direction to transit the bridge was communicated to the pilot, it was observed that he was not in the required position to transit the bridge, and he was advised to reorientate his position, since he was approaching the bridge in a diagonal (crossway) position.

However, after receiving that caution and advice from the traffic controllers, the pilot reportedly ignored the advice, stating: “I know what I (am) doing!” He was again advised against continuing to approach the bridge from the position he was using, but again responded, “I know what I doing!” even while the vessel was about 800 metres from the bridge.

Even when the vessel was about 500 metres from the bridge, it still had not changed position, and the pilot was again advised to properly position the vessel. Immediately after his reluctance,

…commuters urged to take note

the vessel hit the first cluster (set of piles positioned to protect the retractor span), and its engines were not engaged.

After that impact, efforts were made to engage the engine, but by that time the vessel had already hit the second cluster, sending them below the water as the vessel slammed into the bridge. The damage to the bridge was done to its north-western section.

The works are significant and must be done to ensure the safety of the public, according to Adams. Since Sunday’s incident, no vessel has been able to transit the bridge; and thus far, two requests to transit the bridge have been denied.

In absence of the two clusters, which are now below the water’s surface, DHB management intends to approach Management of the Berbice River Bridge (BCCI) to assist with the use of at least two buoys to guide vessels away from the retractor span. The incident is being investigated by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).

Adams said the DHB management has decided on Wednesday night to have the works done on the bridge, since this allows enough time for persons to know the situation and make proper arrangements not to be affected by the ongoing works.

He explained that the DHB has not suffered a revenue loss resulting from the delays on Sunday and the setbacks until Thursday.

He explained that the situation has caused more of an economic loss to the country, since affected persons have been unable to use their time to engage in economic activities.

He said the bridge is the only means by which vehicles cross the Demerara River, and if persons are unable to cross at one period, they would use an alternative period; which means that the bridge would still be used, and revenue would still be generated.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

N America weather: Arctic blast brings record temperatures Parts of the US and Canada are braced for potentially record-breaking low temperatures as a blast of arctic air blows across North America.

A winter storm has already blanketed areas of Canada and the north-eastern US with up to 2ft (60 cm) of snow.

More than 3,600 flights were cancelled on Monday, on top of thousands grounded over the weekend.

Schools have been closed in several US states and residents urged to stay indoors for their own safety.

The storm and the deep cold

have been blamed for 16 deaths in recent days.

In developments across the region: A power failure in Newfoundland, in Canada, late on Sunday left 90,000 homes without electricity. It was a blow to residents already trying to deal with rolling blackouts and the aftermath of a blizzard, CTV News reports The National Weather Service in Kansas City predicted a low of -22C (-8F) for Monday morning, shy of the record low for this date of -25C (-13F) set in 1912. But life-threatening

wind chills will make it feel much colder, the Kansas City Star reports South Dakota’s Keloland. com carries a report about farmers trying to keep their cattle warm, as the cold weather can have a devastating impact on herds In Indiana, a state of emergency has been declared in several north-west counties, allowing only emergency or law enforcement vehicles on the roads In Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the temperature on Monday morning was -33C (-27F),

Millions of people across the US are bracing themselves for bitter Arctic blast that could send temperatures plummeting to their lowest in decades skate rental business owner Roy Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic Laham told the Chronicle-Jourregion for the beginning of the nal newspaper he had only 20 work week,” the US National customers on Sunday, down Weather Service said in a statefrom the usual 200-300 ment.

The states of Ohio, South ‘BITTERLY COLD’ Dakota and Illinois are among Temperatures in the north those set to be hit. Tennessee and central US could feel as low and Kentucky are forecast to see as -51C (-60F) with the effect of several inches of snow.

Illinois Governor Pat wind chill, forecasters say.

Quinn called the storm “one for “The coldest weather in the record books” on Monday, years will be making its preswarning Illinois residents to ence known from the Upper

take precautions until it passed.

An emergency room doctor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, told the Associated Press news agency he saw frostbite injuries occur even through protective clothing.

On Monday evening the frigid weather was set to fall on the north-east US, where residents are still digging out from the week’s deadly snowstorm.

In eastern Canada, the temperatures are expected to drop quickly throughout Monday.

Freezing rain caused long airport delays in Toronto and Ottawa.

In New York City, temperatures are expected to drop from 11C (52F) to roughly -12C (10F) overnight.

Environment Canada’s David Phillips told the BBC the rapid temperature drop expected - about 24 degrees C in 24 hours in cities such as Toronto - means residents could be driving or walking on roads that are “like a rink of ice”.

Cold temperatures could bring lows not seen in 20 years.

Fuelled by Syria war, al Qaeda bursts back to life in Iraq (Reuters) – AL QAEDA gunmen seeking to form a radical Islamic state out of the chaos of Syria’s civil war are fighting hard to reconquer the province they once controlled in neighboring Iraq, stirring fears the conflict is exporting ever more instability.

Exploiting local grievances against Baghdad’s rule and buoyed by al Qaeda gains in

Syria, the fighters have taken effective control of Anbar’s two main cities for the first time since U.S. occupation troops defeated them in 2006-07.

Their advance is ringing alarm bells in Washington: The United States has pledged to help Baghdad quell the militant surge in Anbar -- although not with troops -- to stabilize a

Tribal fighters who have been deployed onto the streets, patrol in the city of Falluja, 50 km (31 miles) west of Baghdad January 5, 2014.

Reuters/Stringer

DATE: 04/01/2014 E

02 05 13 28 08 19 14

04/01/2014

03

11

19

20

21

06/01/2014

26

16

20

19

05

04/01/2014 06/01/2014

0 9

0 4

province that saw the heaviest fighting of the U.S. occupation.

Al Qaeda’s Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has a tough potential foe in Anbar’s well-armed tribes, fellow Sunnis ill-disposed to ceding power to al Qaeda even if they share ISIL’s hostility to the Shi’ite-led central government.

And the group’s goal of creating a hardline Islamic state reaching into Syria is still seen by many as far-fetched.

But its high-profile push into Ramadi and Falluja illustrates the dangers of conflict spreading from Syria’s threeyear-old conflict, which is in part a proxy war between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi’ite rival Iran, analysts say.

ISIL fighters operate in Syria as well, and recent setbacks for the group in the war there mean its Iraqi members may be all the more determined to secure gains in Anbar, analysts say.

“Both the Syrian and the Iraqi conflict are feeding upon one another,” said Fawaz Gerges, a Middle East expert at the London School of Economics.

1

04/01/2014

02 03 07 13 15 18 21

0

06/01/2014

01 10 07 16 15 08 12

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Hours after being arrested for larceny…

Prisoner disarms constable, shoots corporal dead

Brumell orders immediate investigation, cites negligence

By Leroy Smith The Guyana Police Force has been plunged into a state of shock and mourning as Detective Corporal 14998 Seburn Elias was shot dead last evening by a fleeing prisoner with whom he had a scuffle.

Just after 18.30 hrs, a

a fight but was overpowered by the prisoner who took the weapon and attempted to fire it, but was unsuccessful. The prisoner then bolted out of the hospital compound and into a nearby community with the disarmed rank in full pursuit.

The police at the outpost at the GPHC immediately ra-

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell exits the Accident and Emergency Unit last evening after being updated on the shooting of Corporal Elias prisoner from the Turkeyen Station, 23- year- old Delon Abrams, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who was at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital disarmed a police constable after giving him a sound trashing.

The constable, this newspaper was informed, put up

dioed for backup as an alarm was raised and within seconds heavily armed policemen rushed to the Alberttown community and cornered the prisoner. A scuffle ensued and the police detective corporal was shot in the process. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a critical condition and died while re-

ceiving medical attention.

One woman said that she was at the hospital and that she was there for most of the day with her sick father. The woman said that she observed several other prisoners arriving with different police officers guarding them but in the case of the prisoner from Turkeyen only the young constable accompanied him.

She related that the young policeman approached the nurses at the facility on several occasions to have his prisoner attended to so that he could be taken out of the facility. She said that on each occasion the nurses kept turning the young man away, advising him to “hold on”.

The prisoner then requested to go to the washroom. It is not clear if the prisoner was handcuffed, but when he was allowed to use the washroom he opted to go into the female washroom and when the police constable followed him to advise him that he was in the wrong washroom he slammed the door, hitting the rank in the process. He then pounced on the police officer and disarmed him. Also present at the Georgetown Public Hospital last evening was Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell who was briefed about the

situation by ‘A’ Division Commander George Vyphius upon his arrival.

Commissioner Brumell said that he has ordered an immediate investigation into the unfortunate incident. He said that his initial report on the matter is suggesting that there was some amount of negligence on the part of the police and he would be very interested in knowing if the prisoner was shackled at the time he disarmed the rank.

Old Year’s Night murder accused remanded until February 10

By Geeta Rampersaud WITH his left hand in a sling, 40-year-old Jermaine Maynard (no address given) appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with the murder of his 20-year-old ex-paramour, Carlissa Matthews, committed between Tuesday, December 31, 2013 and Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at Croal Street in Georgetown.

Police prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru informed the court that the victim and the accused had shared a relationship, which ended a few months ago. He said the unlawful killing took place at around 23:50 hrs, when the woman was standing by the KFC in the Stabroek area. She was approached by the accused, who drew a gun and shot her to the head, causing her to fall to the ground. She was rushed Murder accused to the Georgetown Public Hospital Jermaine Maynard (GPH), where she succumbed to her injuries at around 02:15 hrs on January 1, the prosecutor said.

He said there are nine witnesses to testify in the case against Maynard, who was apprehended at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice on January 2.

Defence Counsel George Thomas requested an early date for commencement of the preliminary inquiry (PI), and the case was put down to February 10. Maynard was remanded to prison.

Injured wife still laid-up after husband murdered in attack on Mahaicony home SIXTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Devi Siewchand, who was wounded last Saturday night when bandits invaded the Zeelandia, Mahaicony home she had shared with her 72-year-old husband Deoroop Siewchand and murdered him, remained under close medical watch yesterday at the Female Surgical Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

Although not on the critical list, her relatives were restricting visitors, pending the day

when they would break to her the tragic news of her husband’s death.

Mrs Siewchand was beaten on her head when bandits invaded and ransacked the family home on Saturday night. She was tied up and left lying on the floor after the men had doused her with muddied water and alcohol, according to Deoroop’s ten-year-old nephew, who had spent the night with the Siewchands and had witnessed their ordeal.

Deoroop Siewchand, a

farmer, was knifed to death on the upper floor of the building, even as Mrs Siewchand and the young boy were being harassed downstairs. His body, which had about 20 stab wounds, was subsequently found on the floor in a pool of blood.

The ten-year-old boy’s father, Amar Siewchand, who is Deoroop’s brother, lives next door.

Apparently no one outside of the Siewchands’ home had (PLEASE SEE PAGE 7)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

GUYANA

Kaieteur News article misguided, slanderous - article on GRA is ‘erroneous, false, seriously misleading, mischievous, and appears to have a hidden agenda’

EDITORIAL Huge budgetary allocation for health demands quality service ANY government that invests heavily on social programmes as part of its overall national development programme, is one that understands the imperatives of what constitutes national development, particularly its benefits, which must satisfy the needs of citizens, thereby improving the quality of their daily lives. This has been a national strategy that has been a continuous and constant focus of the PPP/C administration, since assuming the responsibility of government in 1992.

Surely, Guyanese have been familiar with the multi-billion programmes since 1993, on re-building the State’s health infrastructure that had not only become primitive by the historic juncture of October 1992, but one which infrastructure had collapsed in many places, and non-existent in others. The multi-billions spent on the numerous interventions thus far, points to a deliberate strategy of ensuring a transformed and modern State health care system capable of delivering the highest quality of health care services and assistance to those citizens in need.

It explains why diagnostic centres have been built; hospitals refurbished, and new hospitals and health centres located in areas where there were none, prior; an ophthalmological hospital; an ultra-modern laboratory; the training of more medical practitioners for staffing hospitals; post-graduate medical programmes for doctors, as well as advance training programmes for allied medical staff; new medical departments that house new capabilities and services, such as dialysis, kidney transplant, cardiac intervention, cancer treatment, diabetic foot, and burns, just to name the many initiatives that have gone towards ensuring the medical needs of the nation.

These initiatives have not been undertaken by the government because for reasons of grandiosity, but because of a genuine desire of wanting a healthier nation, which citizens are better able to contribute to nation building, while contributing to their personal and respective families material and moral development.

It is against this background, that President Donald Ramotar’s recently made strong, and forthright statements about aspects of the State’s health system must be seen. Since his ascension to the Presidency, this is perhaps his frankest observation and assessment made on any state sector, with the very tone signaling that he is dis-satisfied with aspects of a critical pillar that affects citizens’ wellbeing.

For the kind of exponential dollar investment made in this sector, the second highest of the national budget, patients ought not to be complaining about not being able to obtain medicines, as well as the media having to report about incidences of expiry drugs. This points to a question of management as the President underlined.

Nor did the sad and painful issue of maternal deaths escape his critical examination and analysis. In fact, these occurrences have been editorialized in this media, and we fully agree with the view by the President that the deaths of women constitute a severe loss to the national development process. Yet, they continue to occur.

It must be emphasized that any state health sector has to be properly managed, for the huge responsibilities that is its undertaking, in terms of financial resources and material, coupled with the most important raison d’etre for its existence – the citizens who access its services. Further, with its main business being providing curative measures for the sick, whether in or out-patients, its systems must all times be properly geared for this daily challenge. This includes time spent waiting for medical attention;

I AM writing concerning an article appearing in the Sunday, January 5, 2014 edition of the Kaieteur News, captioned “Massive Corruption uncovered at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)”.

The mere caption of this KN article suggests that someone in authority uncovered this massive corruption at CJIA or has information in their possession to support this claim. However, GRA wishes to state unequivocally that (the Kaieteur News) article is erroneous, false, seriously misleading, mischievous, and appears to have a hidden agenda to discredit and slander the names of senior officers attached to the CJIA. It is most unfortunate that (this newspaper) chooses to peddle such mischief concerning GRA’s operatives at the CJIA so early in the new year.

The article alleged that a “very senior officer” in the Monitoring Section at the airport has been colluding with security officers and immigration officials to recycle airport tax stubs, as well as facilitating the placement of contraband, including drugs on planes destined for foreign locations.

You are truly misguided or uninformed of the diversity of GRA’s operations at CJIA to insinuate that one particular individual, can unwittingly perpetrate illegal activities, such as recycling airport tax stubs, allow drugs and other items to be placed on planes, and collect payment to ensure that containers are not thoroughly searched.

Apart from being outrageous, these allegations are also nonsensical, since the sale of Travel Tax Tickets fall under the purview of the Internal Revenue Department (IRD), while passenger’s baggage, importation and exportation of cargo are the responsibility of the Customs and Trade Administration.

Monitoring Officers fall under the Common Services Department. Only officers of the respective departments can perform functions within their Department.

Internal Revenue Officers cannot perform Customs & Trade Administration (C&TA) functions or vice versa.

Neither can a monitoring officer perform functions within IRD or C&TA. How in the name of proper journalism can you publish such garbage without conducting proper investigation(s)? The ethical thing to do was to verify the accuracy of information fed to you by someone who apparently has a grudge.

Travel Tax Tickets are reconciled with passenger manifests to ensure proper accountability.

It was during a routine reconciliation activity, on a particular shift, that GRA discovered attempts were being made to recycle Travel Tax Tickets by some Internal Revenue officers, stationed at CJIA. Investigations were conducted and appropriate disciplinary actions taken against those officers in accordance with GRA’s Code of Conduct.

The article also stated that the “GRA’s official would stop cameras from recording or delete footage altogether in order to allow these dealings to go unrecorded.

In addition, cameras at the airport are very unreliable and become non-functional after a bout of heavy rains among other reasons. This is used as an excuse whenever questioned about missing footage.” proper diagnosis and relevant treatment/prescription of medicines; competent management if admitted as a patient; ensuring proper convalescing measures are instituted, particulary post-surgical procedures, right down to being certified as proper for discharge.

Given that pharmaceuticals are extremely expensive, accurate care must be taken in terms of an analysis of demand, and amount required, factors that are determined based on analysis of patient illness trends. It is therefore, unacceptable for any level of expired medicines, and a serious indictment of the sector, when such instances cause patients not to be prescribed treatment. This is inevitably a great financial loss to the government, which must not be tolerated. In fact, managers must be held accountable for this travesty.

Even the doctors were highlighted for their role in a sector, in which they are the key managers. Definitely, too many doctors are more concerned as to who they are, than as to what they can do for those who seek their help and expertise. Of course, there are very competent physicians, who are also caring and compassionate, attributes that are very critical in the recuperative process. But there are those whose negative attitudes impact on their patients.

It is time that doctors comprehend their true role as doing all that is medically possible in bring relief to patients, and not be dismissive when the latter voiced their concerns.

After all, it is only fair that those charged with the important responsibility of administration of the State health system, be cognizant of the fact that with such a huge budgetary allocation for their sector, quality services are to be delivered to the public, guided by the best management practices.

Please be informed that feeds from GRA’s cameras at CJIA are monitored by senior officers and recorded in other locations. To that end, any attempt to stop the cameras or delete footage would be discovered. Moreover, GRA’s cameras have provided useful evidence in numerous cases, which we are not at liberty to disclose. In addition, there are other cameras and security mechanisms in place at CJIA, which are monitored by independent agencies to ensure that contraband is intercepted.

The article also reported that “despite other allegations against the officer, he was transferred to the airport and subsequently promoted.

Also, the reason activities are not thoroughly investigated and forwarded to the Commissioner General is because the corrupt officer and persons required to investigate, share a close relationship.”

Contrary to the article, GRA changed the entire management team at CJIA in August 2013 when two Customs officers were implicat- KHURSHID SATTAUR ed in drug trafficking. All officers were transferred at their substantive positions and are being rotated on a quarterly basis.

GRA’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all reports of corruption by its officers and would be grateful if KN can provide the evidence in its possession, including who uncovered the massive corruption at CJIA, so that an investigation can be launched. The GRA has always maintained that incidents such as these can be avoided if persons in the media take the time to verify the authenticity of the information they have received.

The GRA has always maintained a strong stance against corruption and will continue to investigate all allegations of corruption against officers. Additionally, the GRA is considering taking legal action for the slanderous information contained in the article.

KHURSHID SATTAUR Commissioner General, GRA

Writing about what bothers me THERE is a terminology of the “Functional Superior” officers, and it makes sense within the hierarchy in the administration of, say, the departments of the Judiciary.

We find that the Chancellor, the Chief Justice, the Chief Magistrate and also the office of the Land Court are independent functionaries and not subject to the direction and/or control of each other in the discharge of their duties when sitting or presiding in their respective courts.

But there are no absolutes, or rather there shall not be any absolutes but if either branch does not perform fairly and does not work within guidelines established, it will be subject to the discipline by those in whom such authority resides.

Recently, I have been observing in the newspapers that the Honourable Acting Chief Justice had been reversing/varying orders made by magistrates in the granting or refusal of bail to persons accused of serious criminal offences. This has left a bad taste in the mouth as in my opinion a very basic principle of fair hearing appears to have been breached.

In any complaint made against the magistrate whose bail order is challenged, the magistrate ought to be called upon to offer reasons to justify his/her order. The superior court ought not to whimsically vary or discharge an order without calling for an explanation – and if it becomes necessary for the order to be varied, reasons must be given which will serve as a guide to the magistrate to put them on the right track.

I think the acting Chief Justice who has a direct responsibility for magistrates should conduct seminars/workshops for magistrates so that they may be guided in the proper discharge of their duties.

I emphasise this point because the perception is that the current magistrates do not go to the Bench with sufficient or adequate experience to deal with the matters which confront them daily. They are the first line of defence of law and order in the country and it is a grave responsibility which must be addressed in a proper and forthright manner.

VERWAYNE ADAMS

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

‘Politicking’ of union leaders disappointing, says Nadir

By Vanessa Narine LABOUR Minister Manzoor Nadir is calling on trade union leaders to step away from “politicking”, urging them to expend those same efforts to legitimately bolster the welfare of their members.

At a press conference yesterday at Freedom House, he said: “This action [politicking] is clearly to facilitate political allegiances and to foster related agendas for political gratification as demonstrated in their public utterances, which are replete with vilification of developmental projects, projects designed to further enhance the lives of workers and their families.

“If these union leaders were to embrace the ongoing, un-

capitalise on their positions and misuse their portfolios under the pretext of providing representation to the industrious workers.

“The (PPP) party believes that they deliberately inculcate a sense[of] unawareness regarding the country’s rapid and unremitting development which has resulted in tremendous benefits to the working class. “…In recognising the contributions of all workers towards nation- building, the PPP urges those union leaders who thrive on politicking to become cognizant of the country’s transformation and modernization, thereby enhancing their capacity to be informed and not to peddle misinformation.

“The party would also like to remind those union leaders, who seemingly prosper on mislead-

biguity would like to note that since its establishment 63 years ago, it has and continues to dedicate every day to improving the lives and working conditions for workers.

“Even before the party was officially established, its Founder, Dr. Jagan, was relentless in his struggles to advance the lives of the working class.

TOKENISM “The tokenism of posturing a year in recognition of workers by the main Opposition, demonstrates their scant regard for workers and their contributions to the development of this country. This is clearly not surprising and to dilute the industriousness of workers can only be seen as an insult to their efforts.”

‘Today, as a result of sustained increases in wages and salaries and benefits coupled with the enabling financial environment created, workers are in possession of much more disposable income utilised for family development and the free acquisition of assets’- Nadir precedented development and expend the same effort to legitimately bolster the welfare of their members, rather than remain the conduit to entrench the positions of their political associates, workers’ development will be further enhanced.”

MISUSE OF PORTFOLIO Minister Nadir noted the ruling party’s disappointment in the move by trade union leaders in continuing to “push a different agenda from what they should be” doing.

Nadir said: “Those involved

ing, that such attempts are counterproductive to trade unionism and the welfare of workers and urges the ceasing of unabated politicization of issues by some union leaders.”

He also made it clear that the ruling party is fully supportive of trade unionism in Guyana in the form it was intended to function.

Nadir said: “The party wishes to reiterate that it remains supportive of trade unionism in its purest and traditional form and which would commit to what was intended and the addressing of grievances through legitimate means.

“The PPP without any am-

SUPPORT FOR TRADE UNIONS According to him, “every day is Workers Day,” and the PPP is not unmindful of how the bases for agitation by the trade union movement in Guyana have tremendously dissipated since the party was elected to form the government in 1992.

“This is by no means a coincidence but a testimony to the party’s commitment to improve the lives of workers and Guyanese at large. This commitment is rooted in the party’s foundation since its establishment by its founder, the late Dr. Cheddi

Injured wife still laid-up after ...

(From page 5) realised that a bloody attack was taking place within. The next morning, the child, who had spent the night at the home of his uncle and aunt on that ill-fated night, fortunately survived the ordeal.

He recalled that as the bandits were on their rampage, one

of the men forced him to lie on the floor next to his aunt; but moments later, while they shifted their attention from him, he escaped and hid in a cupboard. From there he continued to listen and monitor their activities until they left the building.

At around 6:30 hrs on Sunday morning, when he felt that

the bandits had departed the house, he hastened home and broke the news to his father, since the bandits had disabled the telephone lines in the house.

Mrs Devi Siewchand was rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, but was later transferred to the GPHC for medical treatment.

Body found at Liliendaal…

Five teenagers nabbed in car rented by murdered dreadlocked man

By Leroy Smith THE police have been able to identify the dreadlocked man whose body was discovered on Friday with suspected gunshot wounds at a lonely section of Liliendaal over the railway embankment on the East Coast of Demerara.

The Guyana Chronicle has been reliably informed that five teenagers have been arrested and are in police custody in relation to the matter. According to reports, the teens were arrested during a routine police operation on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. None of them at the time could have said where they were going, or who owned the car they were driving.

However, the police on

the highway did not know at the time that the men or the car might be connected to the death of the man whose body was found with bullet holes at another location. It was only when the police on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway contacted the owner of the car by using the information on the registration that they were informed that the vehicle was rented to a man sporting dreadlocks.

The teenagers were immediately taken into custody, and further investigation revealed that the car the men were driving had been rented to Rafael Campbell. It was then that investigators were able to determine that the body found on Friday afternoon was that of Campbell.

Yesterday, the mother of

the man’s children, Ms Romain Cadogan, related in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle that she had last seen Campbell alive on Thursday, when he had gone to visit his two children, aged three and nine years old.

The woman said that she had been trying to contact the man all weekend, but to no avail. She said that at the time of his death he no longer lived with her, but would visit there whenever he visited his other girlfriend, who lives across the street from her.

She said she became aware of the man’s demise only when the police visited her on Sunday night and began questioning her about the man and his description. She said she was then informed by the police that the man was found dead.

Jagan,” he said.

Nadir also pointed out that Dr. Jagan’s unwavering dedication to champion the cause of the working class has precipitated

MANZOOR NADIR the current and unprecedented improvement in working conditions and living standards being experienced.

“Incarceration and harassment did not deter his indefatigable spirit in endeavouring in these selfless acts for the betterment of all. These endeavours which have characterised Dr. Jagan remain the identifying trait of the PPP,” Nadir stressed.

TRADE UNION RECOGNITION ACT He made it clear too that the Trade Union Recognition Act, which the PPP has championed and which allows workers to choose their union as against one

being forced upon them, remains the beacon of democratic principles indicative of the party’s struggles for freedom of choice.

Among other aspects, the Act abolished the need for agency fees, which were imposed on workers by some unions.

Nadir called the practice of “automatic deductions” of monies from workers’ salaries to bolster unions’ financial coffers, “blatantly undemocratic,” since it denied the workers any semblance of choice for a representative body.

Minister Nadir said: “During the party’s 28 years as the Opposition and just over two decades in government, it has always been relentless in pursuing a brighter future for all Guyanese and the creation of a democratic society.

“It is[in] this context that the party remains proud of the country’s achievements since it came into office following the return to democracy in 1992. These profound accomplishments through developments in all strata of society have directly redounded to positively impact the lives of the people of this nation and by extension, reduced the need for activism by trade unions.

“Today, as a result of sustained increases in wages and salaries and benefits coupled with the enabling financial environment created, workers are in possession of much more disposable income utilised for

family development and the free acquisition of assets.”

He also underscored the successes made on behalf of the working class since 1992: the housing boom, massive infrastructure works; the vast increases in accessibility and provision of potable water, health care and social services; and the decentralization of education, among other advances.

Nadir said: “This is further indicative of the party’s dedication to ensure that workers and their families derive the benefits of the country’s development and transformation.

“The investments to rejuvenate the ailing bauxite industry in Linden and other areas and to make it the success it currently is, is again another demonstration of the party’s unyielding commitment to save and create jobs and to improve working conditions.

“These scenarios are symptomatic of not only the prosperity resulting from sustained economic growth through prudent management, but elevation of living standards of Guyanese and working conditions of the country’s workers.”

The minister commended the working class for tireless efforts in creating the current progressive environment that permeates the country and which has led to the noticeable decline in agitation by trade unions.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

President agrees to some initiatives to assist miners

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar last evening attended the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association’s (GGDMA) first meeting for the New Year at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, where he recommitted his government’s support to ensuring sustained viability of this vital industry.

Also present were Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who paid key attention to the issues that were raised by the association and by the miners themselves.

President of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding, informed the Head of State of some of the pressing challenges that the industry is facing with the fall of gold prices on the world market. He said many miners are now struggling to find ways to cut back on expenses.

In some instances, miners who cannot meet their deadlines in terms of installment payments have had their excavators repossessed. The association is requesting of the Government of Guyana to make some immediate interventions, to bring some relief, especially to small and medium-scale miners.

Some of the requests include duty waiver on fuel,

reduction in the cost of rental of properties and claims, duty-free concessions on 4x4, four-door vehicles and m e r c u r y - f r e e t e c h n o l o g y, and more police outposts and better management of ranks stationed at the existing ones.

requests, the president said he will be ensuring that the r e l e v a n t m i n i s t r i e s f o rg e closer relations with the association’s executive body to deal more effectively with issues, and to determine what assistance the government can render.

- joint approach needed to fight crime in mining areas

their equipment repossessed by the banks, the president said that the government will try to intervene to bring some relief to affected miners.

He pointed out that situations like these highlight the

President Donald Ramotar interacting with miners INTERVENTIONS In responding to these

With regard to miners who are experiencing difficulties in terms of having

need for hire purchase legislation in Guyana and assured that his government will be

taking steps in this regard.

In terms of the cost for reclamation, the president reminded of the importance of environmental issues, and said that there are enormous benefits to accrue from sustainable mining practices and protection of the environment.

“We have already started to work to create nurseries… we will help those very small miners to reclaim so that they wouldn’t have that expense.

The GGMC will be part of that. For the medium-scale people we will try our best to provide the materials for them to do so, but the large miners will have to do it themselves,” the president announced.

He also committed to granting duty-free concessions to miners for the acquisition of new technologies that will minimise, if not eliminate, the use of harmful substances such as mercury in the sector. He also informed that his government can positively consider the reduction of property rentals.

As it relates to duty-free concessions for the four-door pickups, he said while the matter can be favourably considered, this will be done on a conditional basis in terms of gold declaration and taxes

Muri Brasil Ventures…

PPP shares view of supporting stakeholders

By Vanessa Narine

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Clement Rohee shares the view of supporting stakeholders that the statement by Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. is “expansive”.

They all maintain it speaks volumes in reflecting the challenges faced in the Government’s development thrust.

“The statement that they (the company) issued is one that those who opposed the venture will have to answer to,” Rohee told a Freedom House press conference yesterday.

Muri Brasil had announced, over the weekend, that it will no longer pursue its geographical and geophysical survey under the Permission for Geographical and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) in the New River Triangle area, which was granted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

In its statement, Muri Brasil Ventures, said: “Although the process was legal and transparent, this decision is due to the misinformation, prejudice and hostility to this proposed

survey by persons and agencies, which are fostering an adverse investment climate in Guyana.”

The December 30, 2013, decision makes the company the latest major investor lost

by Guyana.

Registered in Guyana under the Companies Act with local shareholders, Muri expressed its appreciation for those who supported the project amidst the controversial debates over the last few weeks.

The PGGS document, signed between the GGMC and Muri Brasil Ventures Inc., was leaked to the press and led to allegations that Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud, withheld information, an allegation he has denied.

AMONG SIGNATORIES The minister was among signatories for the PGGS, which was issued on November 7, 2012, for several types of minerals in the New River area of South-East Berbice.

Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. itself joined the debate, making clear, to the PGGS, that there was nothing “opaque” about its

- General Secretary Rohee

Minister Clement Rohee deal with the Natural Resources Ministry.

In the mid-December 2013 statement, the company had said it applied for the PGGS following an advertisement by the Government.

And, in clarifying its activities, said: “Exploration activities have not commenced, because permission is being awaited for the construction of a small airstrip to facilitate the airborne aspect of the survey.

Other research activities have taken place.”

The clause within the PGGS that paves the way for the granting of at least 18 prospecting licences, was the main bone of contention, since the Natural Resources Ministry had indicated that no mining activity was being done in the New River Triangle.

However, Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. explained that these kinds of exploration activities cost millions of United States (U.S.) dollars, which can only be sourced as exploration investments from outside of Guyana.

The company said: “No such investments would be available if the investor is given no assurance that it will be granted prospecting licences.

The investor takes a risk. If he or she is not assured of a potential return, investment capital will dry up and so will Guyana’s mining industry.”

CONSTANT EXPLORATION According to the company, constant exploration

activities are essential to accelerate the mining industry.

But, before a prospecting licence is issued, a work programme and financial and technical capabilities of a company must be supplied.

“A prospecting licence does not, necessarily, lead to a mining licence, because minerals in commercial quantities may not be available,” the investor stated.

“It has been asserted that there is an impropriety inherent in the fact that the PGGS is issued for seven different minerals, rather than a single one.

“The Mining Act permits the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to issue permits or licences over the same area to different persons for different minerals and a PGGS is “qualitatively different” from a mining permit.

Amidst the controversy over activity in the New Triangle area, Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. has expressed the hope that there would be no adverse impacts on the PGGS.

that must be paid for workers at mining camps.

Crime and security was another major issue that was raised, and Harding said that the mining industry has lost many miners to this scourge.

President Ramotar stated that this matter is indeed one that is of great concern to his Administration, and gave the assurance that he will arrange for an early meeting among the leadership of the mining industry, the Guyana Police Force and the Home Affairs Minister to ensure that all suggestions are taken onboard.

“This is an area that needs maximum cooperation, where we can work together to fight against the criminal activities that have migrated into the interior, and we must deal with it as fast as possible to prevent it from getting worse,” the president said.

COMMITTEE

There was a call for the processing of work permits for Brazilian miners to be more expeditious, and the Head of State said that foreign miners do make a valuable contribution to the industry; and once they adhere to the laws of the country, the government will do all that it can to ensure that the process is not frustrated or stymied.

The president directed that a small committee be formed through the subject minister, members of the association and miners to negotiate and discuss further the other issues that were raised.

Meanwhile, President Ramotar expressed the hope that the current world market gold price will be a temporary situation, and that the price will rebound in a few months. He commended the miners who have been focusing on diversifying into other areas of the productive sector, so that they are not solely dependent on gold mining.

He emphasised that sectors such as tourism will become more and more important in the near future, and an even bigger contributor to the country’s economy.

Diversifying their economic activities and providing new goods and services are the best ways that the resources that are finite can be maximised, he stated.

Last year, the industry had a record production of 481,100 ounces of gold. It is the largest foreign exchange earner and plays a pivotal role in the country’s overall development. Additionally, the gold mining industry creates over 60,000 jobs directly and about 150,000 indirectly; catering for both skilled and semi-skilled workers. (GINA)

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Old Kai: Chronicles of Guyana

Why is the Opposition running from public debates with PPP/C Ministers?

O

LD Kai is saturated with the usual “doom and gloom” concoction from Opposition hacks on a daily basis. It seems as if any issue, no matter how small, irrelevant or for that matter non-existent is a “national crisis” for the AFC and APNU, except of course - themselves. From the start of the year they added a ‘sour’ tone to citizens’ mindsets with all their ‘nagging’ and of course they end the year in a similar fashion.

Kai would nevertheless have a hearty laugh at some of the “logics” put forward in their arguments but what is dangerous is how the unsuspecting mind would read and digest these falsities.

A classic example was on Sunday in the Kaieteur News, with no other than Khemraj Ramjattan doing some ‘voodoo’ mathematics and coming up with a figure of 1.8 billion in possible savings in the medical procurement sub-sector had the New GPC been excluded from bidding for tenders or for that matter be a preMinister Minister qualified contractor.

Irfaan Ali Robert Persaud To blame the contractor for unused drugs which eventually expires in the health sector is stretching it way too far as they accusations. are tasked only with providing what is requested. But this is the The APNU ‘mouthorgan’ has since gone deathly quiet after depth to which some politicians are willing to stoop using their the Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud invited him friends in the media to bamboozle the public to aid their hopes to a public debate to determine the facts of the issue and let the of recovering lost political ground. public be the judge as to who has been misinforming them. This It is a sign of desperation and we thing get so serious that can expect this to get nastier in the ‘APNU Member of Parliament Joe Harmon the other day, Harmon was months to come. Make no mistake appears to be in love with the limelight. The in Congress Place hiding about it, the Opposition with their an- only problem is that he does not have control when someone shouted ti-nationalistic behaviour over the past of his mouth, and he’s eager to do anything to ‘Robert coming’ and the two years and the latest revelation that get some publicity’ man ran away leaving his they have managed to chase another vehicle behind. Everyone international investor out of the country started to laugh but some has resulted in their support base eroding in a steady manner. kind soul decided to save him a lot of trouble and told him it was Old Kai has also observed two recent incidents which Robert Corbin and not Robert Persaud coming. However, it was should convince all Guyanese that the Opposition does not too late because the situation was already a bit ‘messy’. believe the things they are uttering from their own mouths.

The second incident involved our boy Khemraj Ramjattan The first issue involves APNU Member of Parliament, Joe popularly known as Prak. Dr. Frank Anthony should get this Harmon who appears to be in love with the limelight. The only man to manage the Caribbean Press, as Prak has now overtakproblem is that he does not have control of his mouth. Eager en Paul Keens Douglas as the Caribbean’s premier storyteller. to do anything to get some publicity, he made a number of Every day he is coming up with a new fable and if you don’t misinformed statements regarding the proposed survey of the really know him, you would believe what he has to say. A few New River Triangle and of course added several scandalous days ago the man told a story about housing on the East Bank

GRA launches US$4.3M ...

From page 2 China to the Government of Guyana, which is perhaps the most recent example of the longstanding relationship.

On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, the Minister of Finance expressed gratitude to the Government and people of China for this gesture.

“Whilst I have no doubt that the GRA will continue to make its best efforts to ensure compliance with our trade laws and timely processing of trade transactions, the achievement of full compliance is not an objective that will be met only by efforts on the part of the GRA,” he underscored.

To this end, Dr. Singh reminded the private sector partners of their obligation to “bring themselves constantly in compliance with the laws of our country”, in particular with trade and tax laws.

He said the GRA’s efforts at mobilising revenue for the country have been most commendable, but there is still much more work to be done.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Zhang Limin, through a translator also recalled that, only a month ago, Guyana and the People’s Republic of China signed a cer-

tificate of acceptance for the mobile scanner.

He said the two countries have enjoyed a long history of friendship, which has seen cooperation in different fields of development.

Deputy Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr Clement Sealey, in brief remarks, also pointed out that the acquisition of the scanner is an important event in developing and building the GRA’s operational capacity to deal with imported and exported goods, and in safeguarding the revenues for the Government of Guyana.

“On behalf of the GRA, I am very pleased for this opportunity to thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for providing this state-of-the-art mobile container scanner to the GRA,” he also expressed.

Sealey said the scanner would allow for easier detection of unauthorised imported goods in fully loaded containers which come into Guyana, as well as containers which are leaving Guyana; and would greatly enhance GRA’s information technology capacity.

“We have no doubt that this scanner will play a very major role in the capacity GRA will have to deal with

imported goods, to ensure that all the revenues that are due to the Government of Guyana are collected, and in dealing in also scanning goods for export, in ensuring that illicit drugs and contraband items are not exported from Guyana,” he explained.

“I am confident that GRA will meet the challenges to implement and operationalise this very important scanner very effectively and successfully,” Sealey stated.

Chairman of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association -- the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Industrial Corporation -- Mr. Clinton Williams, who is the local representative for NUCTECH, the company that supplies the equipment, in his remarks, also pointed to the reduction of trade transaction cost and time, and significant improvement to international competitiveness as a result of the acquisition of the scanner.

He addressed the importance of international maritime security and safety, noting the need for effective and efficient security of ports and harbours, which can no longer be a question of an option, but “a necessity if we are to continue to be engaged in international trade”.

This is the third scanner to be acquired by the GRA, and the equipment launched yesterday is the first mobile scanner that will serve to boost the efforts of the GRA. The operational demonstration of the mobile scanner was done by Senior Manager of the Container Scanner Unit of the GRA, Ms. Simone Beckles. Also present was Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr Khurshid Sattaur.

The mobile container/ vehicle inspection system is the world’s first mobile container/vehicles inspection system using an electronic linear accelerator (LINAC) as its X-ray source. The system is equipped with high performance X-ray imaging system and a comfortable operation cabin. When the boom is folded and stowed, the system can be driven as an ordinary truck. The bodywork dimension is designed to follow the rules of the roads from different countries; and after arriving at a new site, the working preparation time of the system is less than thirty minutes.

The systems manufactured by NUCTECH are being utilized in more than twenty countries and districts.

Khemraj Ramjattan

Joe Harmon

of Demerara in the ‘Once Upon a time newspaper’ and his tale was so tall, even Mount Roraima was no match for it. So Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Housing and Water man challenged him to a debate to let the public decide which of the two is really lying and guilty of moral corruption. Old Kai never saw such running before; in fact Prak on that day and at that time would have even challenged Usain Bolt for his world record. He went underground and when they got hold of his number and a public servant called to remind him of the debate, he ‘cuss’ up the individual and hung up the phone. When the minister emailed him and reminded of the debate, he ‘cuss’ up the minister and broke his computer so he would not receive any more emails.

On Friday, Prak was hiding out at a friend’s home when a neighbour yelled, ‘knock him down Irfan’ and started clapping.

Tears started to flow in Prak’s eyes as he hid in a cupboard thinking the housing man was coming for him. Five hours later Prak’s ‘so called friend’ came back laughing hysterically and informed him that it was cricket the neighbour was watching when Pakistan’s Mohamed Irfan was bowling against Sri Lanka. The man foot and hands caught ‘cramps’ but apparently his mouth didn’t because as we pointed out above, Prak is back to his storytelling ways. Not to worry though, as the next time you see Prak simply remind him of the public debate and then holler ‘Irfaan’ and watch his sprinting ability.

Rohee calls APNU social contract proposal contradiction

By Vanessa Narine GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Clement Rohee views the social contract proposal of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as a contradiction.

APNU, last Friday, proposed that a new social contract be agreed in order to address Guyana’s pressing political, economic and social problems and foster greater unity, security and progress.

But speaking at the Freedom House press conference yesterday, Rohee said the stance of the main opposition party on matters of national interest is very different.

He said: “I must say that it appears, to me, that it is somewhat an apparent contradiction and the question that contradicts is how can you be proposing a social contract in respect of the body politic of our country when you have basically shot down a number of investment projects in this country, which would have brought meaningful and purposeful development to Guyana, would have seen an improvement of livelihoods for thousands of people across the country?”

Rohee continued:“So, right away, I see an apparent contradiction when, on the one hand these anti-progressive, anti-national, anti-business, anti-foreign investors decisions have been taken within recent times, so that has to be explained by the callers of this social contract.”

The new agreement proposed by APNU focuses on allowing major sections of society, including the Government, political Opposition, trade unions, private sector and civil society, to settle on a broad national programme to move the country forward, as it relates to reaching a consensus on the goals of national development; establishing a sustainable institutional architecture and creating an effective policy instrument for the achievement of the objectives of the ‘contract’.

Rohee said the ruling party is currently reviewing the proposal.

10

Ramsammy urges emphasis on accessing new rice markets

MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has said production in the rice sector has shown continued improvements, with prices paid to farmers ranging between $3,500 and $4,000 per bag of paddy.

He said accessing new markets will improve those prices.

According to him: “The challenge going forward is that Guyana has a presence in markets that are paying a certain price for rice. We have to enter new markets where the prices are more competitive.”

He maintained that the “markets are there” and, once Guyana manages to enter these, the farmers can see better prices.

Ramsammy pointed out that a three-pronged approach is being taken to increase exports in the rice sector; increasing the market share in countries that have agreements with Guyana; re-entering old markets where the country once had meaningful presence and securing new markets.

He stated that efforts are underway to have not only Venezuela but Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as countries in Europe, review existing agreements for paddy and rice exports.

BIGGER SHARES The minister explained that the Caribbean countries and Venezuela currently import rice from other countries, apart from Guyana and there is an opportunity to secure bigger shares in those existing markets.

He noted, too, that, in the case of Haiti, since the earthquake that devastated that nation’s capital, much of the rice entering the country was in the form of aid.

But, with the country, again, in a position to purchase its rice, Guyana can take advantage of that market.

According to him, Guyana is talking to several other countries to secure new export agreements.

General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj also weighed in on the issue, maintaining that focus should remain on continuously improving the prices farmers can be paid.

He said, as the situation stands, the prices currently paid are better than those some rice exporters in other countries receive.

“Buyers want quality and reliability of supply and, while reliable supplies can be a challenge, because of factors such as weather, Guyana can deliver,” Seeraj contended.

The 2013 production of 535,212 tonnes was far above the original target of 413,000 tonnes and reflects a 27 per cent increase over that of 2012.

The average production is five tonnes per hectare.

In 2011, the rice sector surpassed the 400,000 tonnes mark for the first time in history and did so, again, in 2012 when it went over the 2011 production.

Of the 2013 production, some 370,000 tonnes were exported and raked in $224M, the highest export recorded for the sector.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Legal action reconsidered after Tarlogie Farm pays farmers

LEGAL action against Ancient County Investment Inc., of Tarlogie Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, has been reconsidered by the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), following settlement of its debts with farmers.

RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, said legal action was the last resort and, since the monies owed were paid, the legal proceedings were discontinued.

Some $300M had been owed to farmers supplying the mill and dozens of them protested at the Ancient County Investment Inc. base on December 27, after the cheques issued by the company were dishonoured by the bank.

The protesters were even more peeved when told that the company would not have been conducting business that day and, therefore, they could not meet with any of its representatives.

The issue of non-payment to farmers has plagued the rice sector as a major challenge and Seeraj told the Guyana Chronicle that a meeting, between the Association and rice millers, is planned to address that among other concerns.

“There are several issues we want to have sorted out with the millers before the end of the first crop for 2014,” he said.

According to him, visits were also paid to farmers in the rice growing regions to ensure they were in receipt of monies owed them.

Meanwhile, the production target for the first crop of 2014 is 270,000 tonnes.

PPP stresses need for commission of inquiry into the death of Dr Walter Rodney

By Vanessa Narine

THE ruling People’s Progressive Party has reiterated its call for progress to be made on setting up a commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the circumstances attending the death of eminent Guyanese historian Dr Walter Rodney.

It has been 34 years since Dr Rodney met his demise, and nine years since Parliament had unanimously approved a motion to establish a commission to enquire into the circumstances surrounding his death.

At a press conference held yesterday at Freedom House, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Mr Clement Rohee said: “The mystery, suspicion and controversy which surround the death of Dr. Rodney have left an indelible stain on our political landscape, and indeed on the image of the nation state of Guyana.”

Mr Rohee said the party is of the view that a Commission of Inquiry would put to rest many important questions surrounding the death of Dr Rodney which have been left unanswered for too long.

“We believe that these answers will heal many historical wounds, will close many doors of political suspicion, and will be part of a healing process which is so necessary if we are to find political consensus as we work towards building a Guyana which is peaceful, prosperous and progressive, and one in which every Guyanese feels that he or she has an equal opportunity to realise his or her potential,” Rohee said.

He referred to the fact that calls for such an inquiry have

emanated from throughout the Caribbean, the United States, the continent of Africa; and indeed, from intellectuals, Pan-Africanists, and “defenders of freedom and democracy everywhere.”

Dr. Walter Rodney Mr Rohee said: “An inquiry into [Dr Rodney’s] death is indeed long overdue… We urge the Government to move expeditiously to establish this commission.

We urge every Guyanese to support this commission.

We urge all persons, NGOs [and] political parties who may have information or evidence which may be relevant or likely to be of assistance to the commission to please bring same forth.”

Rohee said Dr Rodney’s intellectual prowess and political discourses and activism have captured the imagination, admiration and aspirations of people all over the globe.

“His philosophical and physical groundings with the working class and working people, along with his natural inclination to resist and reject oppression, authoritarianism and political dictatorship, made him a natural ally of

Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP when he returned to Guyana in the mid-seventies; and indeed, until he died,” Rohee said. “Together, we waged many wars and launched great struggles against the dictatorship of Forbes Burnham; the repression of freedom; the physical violence unleashed on political leaders, political activists, trade unionists, and journalists and religious leaders; and many other issues of the day.”

He said the PPP hopes that 2014 would see establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Rodney, which occurred on June 13, 1980 within the precincts of the Georgetown Prisons.

The parliamentary motion that spawned the idea of establishment of the Commission of Inquiry stated thus: “On the 13th June, 1980, Dr. Walter Rodney, a distinguished Guyanese scholar, was assassinated by an explosion which occurred in his car at John and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown… Dr. Rodney was, at the time of his death, an eminent political leader engaged in a struggle against authoritarian rule for democracy and social justice… There have been calls for a full investigation into the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, which have received broad support. “…the National Assembly, in paying tribute to the memory of this illustrious son of Guyana, and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his untimely and tragic death, supports an enquiry being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Rodney.”

Works under way on river defences at Mosquito Hall/Lancaster.

Ministry of Public Works continues planned interventions in Mahaica area

TWO major contracts involving the rehabilitation of concrete river defences at Mosquito Hall/Lancaster were executed during the period 2011 to 2012. These works addressed problematic sections of sea defences which were undermined and frequently overtopped during spring tides.

In addition to concrete works, a total of 700m of eroded earthen embankment was rehabilitated and adjacent façade drains constructed for the storage and conveyance of overtopping discharge in order to reinforce the flood defence system.

During December 2013, a contract requiring the rehabilitation of a section of the earthen embankment and slope protection works in undermined areas was awarded to a private contractor.

JANUARY MONTH-END TARGET These works commenced during December 2013 and are scheduled for completion at the end of January 2014. In addition to the ongoing contracted works, the ministry’s Force Account Unit will be engaged in the execution of maintenance works in the area.

Projects For Public Tendering The Ministry of Public Works notes that major reconstruction works have also been scheduled for Mosquito Hall/Lancaster under its 2014 Capital Programme for certain critical sections. Designs are currently being finalised for projects involving the reconstruction of river defences in the area which will be advertised for public tendering during January 2014.

The Mahaica area was recently included in a list of vulnerable coastal/riverain communities specifically mentioned in the ministry’s monthly spring tide advisory published in the local print media.

There were no reports of flooding, however, at the Mosquito Hall/Lancaster area during the recent spring tides period.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Schools reopen after Christmas holidays

By LeroySmith SCHOOLS countrywide reopened yesterday after the Christmas holidays and while the streets of Georgetown were not as congested with traffic and schoolchildren, as usual, classes resumed as usual.

In Guyana, it has been a tradition for parents not to send them to school in the first week of the new term or the children opting to stay home, since according to the latter, not much happens within that week.

However, the Ministry of Education has, in the past ensured that teachers are present and work commences as any other normal school day.

A slow but sure developing tradition at the Ministry or at least under the present Education Minister, Ms. Priya Manickchand has been unannounced visits to schools on first days, although it cannot be confirmed if any such visits were made yesterday.

The Guyana Chronicle focused some attention on the first day of 2014 back to school movement but, because of the restrictions which prevent media operatives from accessing public schools, shots in classrooms were

It will get you to school even if it takes two hours. administered by Christians but nent Secretary of the Ministry. accepts children from across the The move to Marian Acadpolitical, racial and ethnic diemy, on Carifesta Avenue, also vides and, despite the religious in Georgetown, found students guidelines by which the school already in classrooms and some operates; the teachers also are teachers at the chalkboards drawn from the cross-section. while others interacted with On Thomas Lands students their students. In one of the of the Colaaco School, which is administered by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) were getting ready for the first session of the new school year.

Before classes officially started yesterday morning, teachers took the children through a physical exercise session that proved to be a challenge for some of the young ones while others appeared to be all excited about the action.

The final stop on the tour was on East Street ISA School where classes were in full session. That, Come on, no time to spare, lateness on the first like the other two, is not conday is not something we want to indulge in. trolled by the Education Ministry but by the Guyana Islamic Trust. restricted to those which are not In one classroom a student lower classes, the pupils were controlled by the ministry. communicated with his peers being made familiar with the At Stella Maris Nursery in Arabic while the teacher New Year and month. permission was not granted sat listening. However, despite because there was a request by the religious control, it is also ACCEPTS CHILDREN the Education Department for a staffed by Christian and Hinletter to be sent from the Permadu teachers.

The Marian Academy is

This Marian Academy schoolteacher thought the best lesson on the first day of school would be to ensure that her students knew that they were no longer in the year 2013.

This lad had to get closer to take in all he can at the Islamic College.

14

X-ray mix-up causes panic at GPH

A YOUNG mother has accused the staff at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) of endangering the life of her young son, after she was given the wrong x-ray by technicians attached to that institution.

According to the woman, she had reason to take her child to see a doctor at the GPH last Wednesday after he suffered

a fall, from which she felt he could been injured.

After relaying her fears to the doctor, she was advised to take the child to the x-ray unit so that a film can be provided for subsequent evaluation.

The West Ruimveldt resident claimed that, after complying with the doctor’s instruction and taking the boy to do the

Giant plantain bunches stolen from Cozier farm THIEVES have, again, invaded the Cozier Agriculture Scheme on Essequibo Coast, targeting giant bunches of plantains.

The losing farmer, Goberdhan Polastraj said, over the weekend, his farm was raided and several bunches were stolen.

He said, when he visited his cultivation on Sunday, he was shocked to see the tall healthy trees standing without the giant bunches of plantain.

Polastraj said whoever cut the bunches must have been very tall because the trees were not damaged.

He explained that the suckers were planted by his 12-yearold son, Chate, who felt very happy to see the plants growing healthily.

The father said his son was looking forward to harvesting the bunches and had told him:”Dad, we don’t have to buy plantains any more. We have enough.”

But thieves, probably, heard him and the plantains were stolen during the night, the man speculated.

Polastraj, who puts a lot of labour into his farm, said the police should investigate the theft and arrest whoever is responsible for the theft.

x-ray, about half an hour later, a technician handed her a large envelope with the film.

However, when the image was taken to the doctor for examination, there was pandemonium as the medical professional was visibly baffled at the x-ray that showed the skeletal structure of an adult but not a two-year-old child.

Thinking that something else was medically amiss, the mother of two began to panic loudly and only stopped after the doctor advised her that his horrific facial expressions were based upon him noticing an obviously incorrect x-ray film.

BRIEF SEARCH Nonetheless, after a brief search and query, it was discovered that another waiting adult patient was inadvertently given the toddler’s x-ray by the technicians and was, ironically, busy trying to understand the strange miniature skeletal structure of hers.

The medical staff at the hospital promptly swapped the x-rays and everything was seemingly back to normal again.

But, despite the quick resolution, the toddler’s parents were adamant that the defaulting staff members should be admonished, since they argued it could have been the same for a blood test result or any other similar situation that would have resulted in the patient receiving the wrong treatment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

GRA to randomly select imported goods for examination THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indicated that it is introducing a Random Selection of Imported Goods for Examination with effect from January 2014.

The main feature of this system will, on a daily basis, involve the selection of imported goods (commercial quantity) for examination by members of the public. This selection will be done at the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Headquarters, 200 – 201 Camp Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, while the examination of the goods will be done at the respective Wharf/Transit Shed in the presence of the stakeholders and the importer.

Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr Khurshid Sattaur noted that “The primary objective of the selection of imported goods for examination and having the public and stakeholders witness same, is in keeping with the Agency’s commitment to achieving greater transparency.”

He said this process will increase the public confidence in the examination process and protect the integrity of Officers.

GRA said it should be noted that any irregularities found during the examination process will be addressed immediately in accordance with the Customs Laws and Regulations.

Some shopkeepers accused of Christmastime fraud SOME unscrupulous shopkeepers were busy devising ways to defraud many customers shopping for items during the recent Christmas season.

That was the view of at least a few with whom the Guyana Chronicle spoke on New Year’s Day. The predominantly women shoppers expressed their dissatisfaction at a now common practice by grocers to, allegedly, use faulty scales and weights when selling during that period.

The women named the grocers in question, at locations on East Coast of Demerara and Parika, East Bank of Essequibo.

Ivy Thomas, who hails from East Bank of Demerara, said the weight of merchandise that she purchased at two groceries, the names of which she gave, was, seemingly right on the shopkeeper’s scale.

However, when she weighed the items at home, most were short of between ounces and pounds.

She claimed that efforts to resolve the issue with the grocers, usually, works out to nought, since the goods were either used up or not returnable.

Another woman, who gave her name only as Geeta, from Leonora, West Coast of Demerara, claimed that she never realised her fruits, flour and other purchases were short until she commenced measuring them in preparation for mixing and baking.

TRUSTED GROCERS She, too, also accused apparently trusted grocers of defrauding customers of their rightful measures, naming two of them in Stabroek Market.

Most of the complaining shoppers are of the view that the busy Christmas shopping schedule is somewhat the ideal time for grocers to try their scale and weight tricks, since customers would have been too busy to check or even realise that they were robbed.

The complainants want the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to be more vigilant during Christmastime or to even periodically conduct surveillance and raids on some of the alleged defaulters.

Order Nisi directed to MMA/ADA over lands, postponed to January 22

By George Barclay IN the matter of an application for Orders by Dr. Kenneth Sealey, Nisi of Certiorari and Prohibition Orders were granted since 20 December, 2013.

However, this was postponed to January 22 when the matter came up for hearing before acting Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, at the High Court yesterday.

In his affidavit in support of the Originating Notice of Motion, Dr. Kenneth Sealey of Lots 3-4 Farm, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, swore that on or around the 26th May, 2007, Prince Thompson (now deceased) and himself were given permission to occupy by way of lease approximately 109.73 acres, by the Respondent, Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), upon paying them the sum of $900, 000.

After paying this money they were told by the general manager that the lands would have to be surveyed before a 25-year lease is granted “to us and that by the said payment we had permission to occupy and develop the lands.”

That on or around the 22nd of August, 2013, the said Prince Thompson died.

Subsequently Dr. Sealey stated that he received a letter containing an allegation made by Mr. Hamlall Arjoon that Mr. Peter Thompson had demanded money from him to allow him to remain on the land. Mr Peter Thompson totally rejects this allegation, said Dr. Sealey.

Dr. Sealey added in his affidavit: “That I am advised by my Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Basil Williams and verily believe that as the legitimate lessees of the said lands, including Plot 25, I had a legitimate expectation to be consulted by the MMA-ADA before its decision to arbitrarily and unreasonably take away Plot 25 from me and to reallocate it to the said Hamlall Arjoon.

The chief justice had in December granted Orders or Rules Nisi of Certiorari in terms of para (a) and (b) of Notice of Motion.

The first Order of Rule Nisi of Certiorari directed to the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority to show cause why its decision to revoke the permission granted to Prince Thompson and Dr. Kenneth Sealey jointly, to occupy Plot 25, a tract of 45.98 acres situated at Section ‘B’ Onverwagt on the right bank of the Abary Creek and to reallocate it to Hamlall Arjoon, Aka Jeffery, should not be removed into this Honourable Court for the purpose of quashing it on the grounds of excess or lack of jurisdiction, unreasonableness, breach of the rules of natural justice and the applicant’s legitimate expectation that he would have been consulted before the said revocation.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Haiti’s pride of place in history unquestionable – says CARICOM Secretary-General

SECRETARY-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, has extended congratulations and best wishes to Haiti on the occasion of its 210th anniversary of independence celebrated on Wednesday, 1 January 2014.

In a congratulatory message to His Excellency, Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti, the Secretary-General said that Haiti’s pride of place in history was unquestionable.

“It is with great pride and pleasure that, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend to the People and Government of the Republic of Haiti congratulations and best wishes on the celebration of two hundred and ten years as an independent nation.

Haiti’s pride of place in history is unquestionable and perhaps at no time is this fact as deeply felt as on the annual occasion of its independence day. This is a day that is etched in the hearts and psyche of Haitians as the day when dignity, courage and the inexorable quest for freedom, equality and betterment that reside in the human spirit soared triumphantly in Haiti, searing an indelible mark on the trajectory of human

civilisation.

The spirit and virtues of this historic achievement have consistently motivated the people of Haiti over their two hundred and ten years of independence. In the face of daunting and trying challenges and natural disasters they have never wearied, responding with purpose, valour and resilience.

In this forward march towards its social and economic development, Haiti is not alone. Its Government and People can count on the solidarity of the fellow Member States of the Caribbean Community.

The Caribbean Community extends fraternal greetings to the Government and People of Haiti on this most auspicious occasion and best wishes for the Republic’s continued progress.”

AMBASSADOR IRWIN LAROCQUE “This is a day that is etched in the hearts and psyche of Haitians as the day when dignity, courage and the inexorable quest for freedom, equality and betterment that reside in the human spirit soared triumphantly in Haiti, searing an indelible mark on the trajectory of human civilisation,” Amb. LaRocque said.

Alluding to the purpose, valour and resilience with which the Haitians have faced daunting challenges and natural disasters, and their march towards social and economic development, Secretary-General LaRocque assured President Martelly that Haiti was not alone and that it could count on the solidarity of fellow Member States of CARICOM. The text of the message reads:

Aries March 21 - April 19

After days of moping around, you’ll wake up this morning feeling like your old self again: charming, impulsive and ready to try anything at least once. So what might be the perfect way to celebrate? How about reconnecting with the gang? After a bit of good-natured kidding about where you’ve been and a whole lot of winks, nods and sidelong glances, they’ll be delighted to have you back in the fold. And you can get back to your unofficial position as head of the entertainment committee.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Talk about a delectable dilemma! The stars are making impulse the name of the game, and they’ve set up shop in your house of secret desires. Well, now. It’s easy to see how you could get yourself into a bit of trouble if you’re not careful. Of course, this is the kind of trouble others might run from -- but sensual little you might take your own sweet time with it instead. Ah, well. At least no one will have to remind you to be discreet.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

A group that you’re quite active with is about to ask -- if not outright beg -- that you become more involved. A lot more involved. Does this mean the fun is over? Will you have to worry about things like organisation, paperwork and so on? Hardly!

Delegate, delegate, delegate. You’re the ideas person. That’s why they want you.

Assemble your staff.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

You’ll wake up in the mood to get out of the house, have some serious fun and leave your worries behind. With the stars currently turning up the volume on your charm, finding playmates who are game won’t be a problem. You may need to divide your attention among family members and friends who’ve been whining about not seeing you in far too long, but it’s just the price of being popular. Once you’ve arrived, your time is no longer your own.

Leo July 23 - August 22

You’re in the mood to get away from it all -- to let loose and have some serious fun.

Since you’re you, the sign consistently voted ‘least likely to be alone unless they want to be,’ you won’t be short on attentive company or leisure time. Your worst problem will be deciding what grand idea to pursue with which charming companion. Gosh.

Sure is tough being you, isn’t it?

For Tuesday January 7, 2014 -09:00hrs For Wednesday January 8, 2014 -10:00hrs

Virgo August 23 - September 22

You may be having company tonight -- of the unexpected variety. Unlike other signs, you won’t need to be reminded to keep your place neat and tidy in the event of a spontaneous visit. Now that you’ve been warned, you may need to be dragged gently but firmly away from the cleaning products, and involuntarily forced to give up the rubber gloves. Once that’s done, you’ll be ready to rock. Put the sponge down, and start primping.

Libra September 23 - October 22

This is going to be a time to remember for all the right reasons. The romantic stars will storm into your house and demand one-on-one relationships today, so don’t expect to see much of your pals -- except for maybe that one particularly close friend, of course. You two will quite literally be inseparable straight through the morning.

Perfect timing, huh?

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

You’re so ready to relax that you’re actually feeling torn between spending yet another evening with that delectable new admirer and taking the night off to get some sleep.

Obviously, you must be really, really tired. Not to dissuade you from your well-deserved rest, but you should know that the passionate, physically impetuous stars are on duty at the moment -- and you know what that means. Make some coffee, grab a shower and rally.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

Enough with the baby-sitting, caretaking and looking out for everyone except yourself.

It’s officially time to take care of you -- especially when it comes to indulging yourself in some much-needed playtime. Feel free to have as much fun out there as you’d like!

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

Ready to let loose and have some real fun? Good, because the universe is willing to help. Right now the stars are anything but short on creative ways to enjoy the company of others -- and they just so happen to have set up shop in your house of entertaining.

How about having the whole crew over to your place for pizza, movies and games?

Break out Pictionary and stay up late laughing. You owe it to yourself.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Some fun-loving companions are about to invite you to spend an unusual evening with them, probably doing something you’ve never done before. Kindred spirits, a new adventure and no worrying about staying up too late -- it just doesn’t get any better than that, does it? Your stars are feeling extra impulsive. That means everyone else will be feeling just as impetuous as you are. Go get ‘em!

Pisces February 19 - March 20

It’s officially time to toss the tissues, stop worrying about the past and put some distance between you and whoever or whatever has been making you feel so blue lately. Come on. You’ve seen way too much of your living room lately. Your dog is even trying to figure out how to get you out of the house. Go ahead; have some fun.

You’ve put in your time.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Scores turn out on the ‘West Side’ for Slingerz victory parade SCORES of people lined the roadways last Sunday throughout West Demerara, to pay homage to Slingerz Football Club who won the third edition of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Banks Beer Cup. Playing at the Guyana National Stadium on New Year’s Day (January 1), Slingerz FC

edged Santos 3-2 to become the first team from the ‘West Side’ to ever win a major tournament.

The motorcade started from Wales and headed to Parika after which the milelong line of vehicles all headed to the Vergenoegen Village rice mill tarmac where everyone gathered for a free concert

by Guyana’s international reggae star Natural Black, along with Jumo and Super Ray one-man band.

“It’s good that we can bring the West Side people joy,” said an elated Dwayne Jacobs. The Slingerz FC captain pointed out “The good part is that we are not even a year old in the business and we like how people support our team. It makes us feel good about what we do and encourages us to play harder”.

Jacobs, a member of the

Golden Jaguars, said that while the team is happy and still celebrating the victory with their fans, they are still far from accomplishing all they want to and as such, the Banks Cup victory is to simply let Guyana know that his club means business.

“This is not the end. As much as we (are) enjoying this feeling right now, we know that we have plenty work to do. The players, management, everybody understand that. We want to play in CONCACAF with all the top teams and this is a stepping stone.

“Many persons think that Slingerz is a now-come team and can’t last long but we will show them that we mean business and we are willing to work hard for more trophies,” Jacobs added.

Meanwhile, Slingerz FC

awarded several players for their contribution to the club in the past year, showing their appreciation to their three guest players for the GFA/ Banks Cup in winger Walter Moore along with strikers Jamal Harvey and Kevon Woodley.

Devon Millington, the team hero in the final, was awarded for scoring the most goal for the club in 2013 while former National youth captain and Jaguars defender Colin Nelson was voted the club’s MVP of the Banks Cup final.

Les-Charles Critchlow was named the most consistent player of the club and Joshua Brown copped both the Most Disciplined and Best Attendance awards.

Up next for Slingerz FC is their second West Side Cup which is set to start mid-February and features only the teams playing under the West Demerara Football Association. (Rawle Toney)in Den Amstel.

Eastman to tackle Richmond for super ...

From Back Page tle last December 26 after cornering Walcott and unleashing a barrage of combinations to his head and body.

One vicious right hook caught Walcott flush to his head and referee Eion Jardine called a halt to the proceedings.

Earlier in the fight, Rich-

Sarwan aiming to don maroon colours ...

From Back Page

champions Jamaica and Ireland in Zone ‘A’ and are expected to leave for Trinidad and Tobago on January 28, while the tournament bowls off two days later at the Queen’s Park Oval, with Windwards taking on Jamaica.

The Guyanese, who last won a regional 50 overs tournament in 2005, when they defeated Barbados in the final of the inaugural WICB/KFC Cup at Bourda, will face the Irish in their first game on Friday January 31, at Queen’s Park Oval.

On Tuesday February 4 and Friday February 7, Guyana will go up against Jamaica and Windward Islands respectively, while the semifinals will be contested on February 12 and 13, and the final three days later after the second semi-final.

mond used the first round to feel out Walcott, but in the second round, Walcott had caught Richmond with several combinations which caused referee Jardine to issue an eight-count to Richmond.

However, it was at two minutes 56 seconds of the fourth round that Richmond’s artillery landed on target and in the process, claimed the super middleweight belt.

It must be remembered also that it was Richmond who broke the jaw of Edmond DeClou a few months ago which saw him (Richmond) win the bout by a third round stoppage.

The January 26 card will

also see Lindener Cassius Matthews match gloves with Laured Stewart in a fourround welterweight contest.

Matthews is fresh from a four-round victory over Kesley Simon also on Boxing Night at the MSC venue.

Another four-rounder brings together Richard Williamson and David Thomas in a junior lightweight contest, while the main supporting bout is a six-round middleweight contest between Gladwyn Dorway and Kelsie George.

Apart from Richmond and Eastman, Dorway, George and Williamson are also from the Ancient County of Berbice.

English Southwell 08:30 hrs Monzino 09:00 hrs Jawaab 09:35 hrs Yeah baby 10:10 hrs Piceno 10:40 hrs Bubbly Bailey 11:15 hrs Mass Hill 11:45 hrs General Tufto

Cagnes-Sur-Mer 08:30 hrs Questimato 09:05 hrs Kofi 09:35 hrs Tzarine De La Mone 10:05 hrs Viva La Playa 10:35 hrs Auvours 11:05 hrs Gracious

Leicester 08:45 hrs Ashes House 09:15 hrs Going Wrong 09:50 hrs Muldoon’s Picnic 10:25 hrs Meirig’s Dream 10:55 hrs Massena 11:30 hrs Toowoomba German Racing Tips

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:45 hrs Great Fox 09:20 hrs Boarding Call 09:55 hrs King’s Wild 10:30 hrs One Man’s Dream 11:05 hrs Zephira 11:40 hrs Yourmyeverything

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

12 football legends who really should be household names AS dedicated football lovers, we were all fairly horrified at Eurosport Towers this morning when one of our team rocked up to work amid the howling winds and the rain with the news that his wife didn’t know who Eusebio, pictured right holding a signed Brazil shirt with Pele, was.

“Who is this random Eusebio chap in the news,” said his missus, blissfully unaware of what the striker had contributed to the world game.

For the record, Eusebio was technically superior to most strikers of his or any generation. He helped Benfica reach four European Cup finals, winning the tournament in 1962 and was involved in the classic final in 1968 when Benfica lost in extra time to Manchester United.

He was also key to Benfica’s rise to 11 Primeira Liga titles between 1961 and 1975, scoring 633 goals in 614 matches. With Portugal, he found the net 41 times in 64 outings.

While our Portuguese flag remains at half-mast today to mourn the death of a true sporting great, we decided to pick out some more players from the past who you - or your other half - may know nothing about.

We’ve all heard about the exploits in European football and World Cups of Pele and Diego Maradona, but what of other talents who have perhaps slipped into folklore without such recognition?

We’ve chosen some truly special players for our list. Of course, feel free to leave your personal favourites from yesteryear in the comments section below Ferenc Puskas (Hugary) One of the greatest forwards in history, Puskas netted 156 times in 180 matches for Real Madrid and captained Hungary’s legendary side of 1954 who lost 3-2 to West Germany in the World Cup final.

Scored 84 goals in 85 international matches for the Mighty Magyars.

Like Eusebio, one of European football’s greatest players Alfredo Di Stefano (Spain) Described by Pele as the most complete player in history, Di Stefano is pictured here alongside Puskas after a 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup final before a 127 000 crowd at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Born in Argentina but regarded as a Spanish great, the forward helped himself to three that day. Puskas grabbed the other four.

Garrincha (Brazil) A superb winger blessed with sublime ball skills, the Brazilian nicknamed ‘little bird’ helped his country win the World Cup in 1958 and 1962. Was named in the World Cup all-time side in 1994.

Garrincha (Brazil)

Luigi Riva (Italy) Riva is the all-time top scorer for Italy losing to Pele’s great Brazil side in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico. Scored 35 times in 42 matches for his country, and helped Cagliari win their only Serie A title in 1969/70.

Ferenc Puskas (Hugary)

John Charles (Wales) The greatest Welsh player in history, Charles could play at centre-half and centre-forward. Was never sent off in a career that saw him turn out for Leeds United and Juventus. Charles represented Wales at the 1958 World Cup finals, but was unfortunately injured before his country lost to a Pele goal in their quarterfinal with Brazil Just Fontaine (France) A prolific goalscorer for France, Fontaine holds the record for most goals at a World Cup finals netting 13 times at the 1958 tournament

Sir Stanley (England)

from free-kicks, Passarella is considered South American football’s greatest defender.

Zico (Brazil) Widely regarded as the finest Brazilian player since Pele, the Zico (Brazil)

attacking midfielder Zico came to the fore at three World Cup finals in 1978, 1982 and 1986, but somehow failed to play in the final of the tournament.

Sir Stanley Matthews (England).

Matthews was ahead of his time in being a teetotaller. Was knighted during his playing days, and was lauded for his dribbling skills. Astonishingly, played at the top level until he was 50 with 19 years spent at Stoke and 14 with Blackpool. Won 54 caps with England turning out at the World Cup finals in 1950 and 1954 Lev Yashin (Soviet Union)

Matthews

Daniel Passarella (Argentina) Like Maradona in 1986, the attacking central defender captained Argentina to World Cup glory. But he managed a country’s expectations level to achieve the feat in Argentina in 1978. Scored 22 times in 70 matches for his country. A real threat in the air and

Lev Yashin (Soviet Union) Regarded by many commentators as the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game Yashin turned out for the old Soviet Union side at three World Cup finals and won the 1960 European Championship. Saved 150 penalties and kept over 270 clean sheets representing Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union Johan Neeskens (Netherlands) The technically gifted central midfielder helped his country finish finalists at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups. After the retirement of Johan Cruyff a year earlier, was a key component of the Dutch side’s run to the 1978 World Cup final where they lost 3-1 to Argentina after extra-time.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (West Germany) Pictured with the Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer above, the club’s chief executive is regarded as the greatest German player since Beckenbauer. The explosive forward helped his country win the 1980 European Championship, and scored 45 goals in 95 appearances for West Germany. Twice named European footballer-of-the-year, he is the only captain to lose two World Cup finals in 1982 to Italy and 1986 to Argentina.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Former players slam ‘spineless’ England after Ashes rout (REUTERS) - England’s Ashes whitewash triggered a scathing attack from former players yesterday with Ian Botham lashing out at the team’s “spineless” display in Australia.

Having won the home series 3-0 last year, captain Alastair Cook and his men landed in Australia in October as the overwhelming favourite to retain the famous urn.

Instead, they were ruthlessly brushed aside by a rampant Australia side, failing to get close to victory in any of the five matches as pace bowler Mitchell Johnson’s express

Former England captain and allrounder Ian Botham speed and Brad Haddin’s never-say-die batting, exposed

their limitations.

What proved to be the final day of the series was synonymous of England’s feeble showing as they were bowled out for 166 inside 35 overs, chasing an improbable 448 for victory, as Australia completed the clean sweep with two days to spare.

“I’m pretty depressed and embarrassed - I use that word, embarrassed, and I mean it,” former captain Botham told Sky Sports. “I am not allowed to use the words that are flashing through my head at the moment. I just think it was

spineless,” added the former all-rounder.

Australia never took their foot off England’s throat registering comprehensive victories at Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and finally in Sydney to avenge last year’s series defeat in England.

“England have been steamrollered. If it had been a boxing match it would have been stopped weeks ago,” Botham said.

Former skipper Michael Vaughan echoed his sentiment, saying the senior players had let the team down.

“I’ve lost words to describe how England played.

That was pathetic - it was always going to happen but there’s a way to lose,” Vaughan told BBC Sport.

“I have never seen an England team throw in the towel, but they did this afternoon. Our senior core of players have not been able to get into any sort of form,” said Vaughan, who in 2005 became the first England captain to win an Ashes series since Mike Gatting in 1986-87.

“The Australian wagon got into motion at Brisbane

and England have not been able to cope since. That last innings there showed how frazzled the team is,” Vaughan added.

In many ways, the final Test in Sydneyt mirrored England’s shambolic campaign as they were shot out for 155 and 166 on a green-tinged wicket.

“It’s pathetic - there is no other word. It’s humiliation,” former opener Geoff Boycott told BBC’s Test Match Special.

“This is a worse loss than when we lost before 5-0 because they had great players like (Glenn) McGrath, (Shane) Warne and (Adam) Gilchrist last time. England have just disintegrated.”

New captain not feasible before World Cup - Dhoni MS Dhoni has indicated he is not averse to continuing as India captain in all formats, saying it would be unfair to burden a new player with the mantle of captaincy with just a year left for the 2015 World Cup. “It’s a point of no return with the World Cup literally one year away from now,” Dhoni said, at a promotional event in Delhi, according to PTI. “It won’t give a new guy the ideal time to play at least 70-80-90 games (before) the World Cup. That’s what we would like to have him play before the World Cup. “I understand the pressure … you get the kind of things which give you more experience than the others.

So, we have to go through it.”

Dhoni was responding to a question on giving up captaincy in one format to prolong his career. In 2012, Dhoni had said he might have to give up a format to lead India’s title defence in 2015, but would take a call only at the end of 2013.

There have always been concerns over how much workload Dhoni can take across his multiple roles but he said his body was holding up fine at the moment.

“I am really fortunate to see where I am right now with the amount of cricket that we are playing these days. As of now, it’s looking good. The body is closely knit together.

How it will be (in future), I don’t know but so far so good.”

India lost their recent two-Test series 0-1 in South Africa but Dhoni said India’s performance on the tour showed they had promising players, who would only get better with the exposure on upcoming trips. “Yes, we had some tough times. We had a bad session (in Durban). We had one really bad session because of which we were on the losing side.

“I think the process is more important. It can go worse than that (the performance in South Africa), but the good thing is that at least we know the players are there.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday January 07, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Lance Gibbs 125-Chris Gayle (WI vs NZ, 2012) Today’s Quiz: Who is the last WI player to make a century on Test debut overseas?

Which WI bowler has taken most ODI wickets without ever taking a five-wicket haul?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

MS Dhoni feels there is insufficient time for a successor to gain enough experience to lead India’s World Cup defence.

We had a lot of good sessions in South Africa.

“It’s a process where we have to improve. Also the fact (is) that now we will be continuously playing out of India, so it will give more exposure to the players. Most of the players who are part of the side, barring a few, they have not played maybe more than five Test matches outside India. I know they will take some time, but the overall performance was good.”

India’s bowlers were unable to bowl South Africa out in the second innings of the first Test despite having 457 runs to defend and Dhoni acknowledged they required progress on that front.

“We have bowlers who can

take 20 wickets but still this is one area where we need to improve. I think on the wickets that are helpful we have done well. Outside India, at times, you get wickets where we have to hit the deck hard and that goes (against) what our bowlers actually bowl.

“I am talking about the majority of bowlers, that’s one area where we have to still learn.

We have seen in the past also, if there’s help, then we will get 20 wickets.

That’s one area where we have to improve a bit. But looking at the bowlers we have got, definitely it seems they have the potential to take 20 wickets in Test matches.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

FIFA boss critical of Brazil’s World Cup preparations Three workers have been killed in recent accidents at stadiums in Sao Paulo and Manaus.

Sepp Blatter “No country has been so far behind in preparations since I have been at FIFA,” Blatter told a Swiss newspaper The 77-year-old has worked for FIFA since 1975, becoming president in 1998.

He added: “It is the only host nation which has had so much time - seven years - in which to prepare.”

The tournament opens on June 12 when the host nation face Croatia in Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians, where two workers died when a crane collapsed onto part of the roof on November 27.

That accident delayed the stadium’s completion date by several months, and it is not expected to be ready until mid-April.

Construction problems and public protests about the financial costs of hosting the World Cup have beset Brazil’s preparations for the tournament.

Brazil - which last hosted the World Cup in 1950 - was awarded FIFA president Sepp Blatter has accused Brazil of being badly this year’s finals in 2007.

But when asked if the country had understood the scale of prepared with five months to go before it hosts this year’s World the work required, Blatter replied: “No. Brazil has just found Cup. Six of the host nation’s 12 stadiums have failed to meet FIFA’s out what it means and had started work much too late.” (BBC Sport) December 31 completion deadline.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 7, 2014

Windies coach blames second-string players for team’s poor results NELSON, New Zealand (CMC) - West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has blamed second-string players for his side’s poor results in recent times and accused them of not making use of the opportunities given to them.

West Indies, suffering from the loss of seven players through injury, lost to New Zealand by 58 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the fourth One Day International (ODI) on Saturday.

The defeat means that

Kirk Edwards West Indies, after leading the ODIs 1-0, have slipped to 2-1 with the final game scheduled for today Caribbean time.

“We’re missing around six players now. Gayle, Pollard, (Darren) Bravo, Samuels, Sammy, Ravi (Rampaul), Roach …,” said Gibson.

“Basically, players are getting an opportunity that they wouldn’t get if the above players were playing.

And you have to say that these players are not taking the opportunities given to them.”

Two of West Indies’ topthree were run-out in the chase of 286, and the team never suf-

ficiently recovered in Saturday’s match.

Both those batsmen who were run-out were replacements - Chadwick Walton and Kirk Edwards - brought in for injured players.

When the rains came, the Caribbean side were found to be 58 runs short via Duckworth-Lewis.

“Our fielding … Couple of dropped catches, which would’ve changed (things).

The way we fielded in the whole innings, particularly

towards the end, New Zealand got 25, 30 runs too many.

It wasn’t a 280 pitch,” said Gibson.

“Then losing a wicket through a run-out, when you need to be sensible for the first 20 (overs) - with the new balls, it’s going be difficult. Losing a couple of wickets to run-outs was a tough blow. And then weather interrupted and that was that.”

Darren Sammy, who has suffered a hamstring injury, is out for about three weeks while

Rampaul’s finger injury might be healed in time to play the fifth ODI which West Indies must win to tie the series.

“Ravi’s (finger) was a little sore, but he’s a tough guy. It’s just his left hand, so his bowling won’t be affected and once we get him pain-free, I’m pretty sure he will play,” the coach said.

“We’re still waiting for the results (of the tests done on Sammy). He’s still limping around a bit. We’re not sure how he’s going to travel, but he’s staying with us for a little longer. The injury is a two-to-three-week situation.

Hopefully, we can assess his situation for the T20s.”

Encamped National Schumacher’s cricketers receive help from condition remains critical GDF fitness co-ordinators Michael Schumacher

PARIS, France (Reuters) - Michael Schumacher’s condition remains stable but critical, eight days after the German suffered brain injuries in a skiing accident in France.

“The clinical state of Michael Schumacher is stable as he’s under permanent care and treatment,” Grenoble hospital said in a statement yesterday.

“However, the medical team in charge stresses that it continues to assess his situation as critical.”

The retired seven-time Formula One world champion slammed his head on a rock while skiing off-piste on December 27.

Schumacher has been in an induced coma since then and has undergone two operations in Grenoble.

The medical team and the German’s management repeated yesterday their call to respect his privacy and said they would not send any more statements nor hold any news conference until further notice.

Last week his agent Sabine Kehm urged journalists to stay away from Schumacher after security guards said they intercepted a reporter disguised as a priest who was trying to get into his room.

“The patient’s privacy requires that we do not disclose any details about his treatment and that’s why we do not plan any news conference or written statements for now,” said the medical team and Schumacher’s management.

“We ask you again, insistently, to ... stick to the information provided by the medical team in charge or his management because they are the only valid ones.”

While Schumacher is battling for his life after suffering severe internal bleeding on the skull, French authorities are investigating the accident that took place in the Alps resort of Meribel.

The Annecy prosecutor yesterday said he will hold a news conference tomorrow.

Schumacher, who turned 45 on Friday, is the most successful Formula One driver of all-time with 91 race victories.

He left the sport last year after a disappointing three-year comeback with Mercedes following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006.

THE GUYANA Cricket Board has further enhanced its coaching staff currently attached to the encamped national cricket squad, by securing the services of Guyana Defence Force fitness trainers Patrick King and Carl Stephenson.

The two certified fitness trainers joined current coaches Rayon Griffith, Esaun Crandon and Julian Moore yesterday as the players went through their paces at the Everest Cricket Club ground. They join the camp to ensure that the national players are fit and ready for the upcoming WICB Regional 50 over and four-day competitions respectively.

The National Squad has been encamped since December 27 2013 and it is expected that all national players achieve a certain level of fitness. Hence the addition of these two specialists will contribute significantly towards the players attaining and maintaining that required standard.

Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie, who was

present at the venue yesterday, in an invited comment said: “The GCB is investing in quality preparation and it would be up to the squad selected and their management team to deliver positive results.

The feedback from the coaching staff so far has been good and it is expected that the team should perform well in the two competitions this year.”

The team is scheduled to play six practice matches, two of those being day/night at the national stadium, before departing for the Regional Competition which will be broadcast live on ESPN throughout the world.

One of those matches will be held today at the Everest ground from 09:00hrs, as they fine-tune their preparations for the WICB Regional NAGICO Super50 tournament which will be played in Trinidad and Tobago from January 30 to February 16 2014.

Gordon wins Athlete-of-the-Year PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - World Championships 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon grabbed the major prizes at the Annual Awards function of the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) of Trinidad and Tobago over the weekend.

Gordon picked up the Male Athlete-of-the-Year and the Men’s Open Track awards as well as an Outstanding Performance award for his world-leading and national record 47.69 seconds clocking en route to World Championships honours in Russia last August.

“To be honest, I’ve never envisioned myself reaching this far so early,” said the 22-year-old hurdler.

“It’s something we always dream about but for me to come out here and win all these achievements at such a young age just goes to show there is a lot more in store for Jehue Gordon in the future.”

Rebirth’s shot putter Cleopatra Borel collected the Fe-

Jehue Gordon

male Athlete-of-the-Year and ‘Women’s Open Field awards.

The defending Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games champion missed out on a World Championships final berth by a mere 0.04 metres when she produced a season’s best 17.84m to be just outside the top 12.

Borel, however, produced a 17.56m effort to capture gold at the 2013 Central American and Caribbean Championships in Mexico last July.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Windies coach blames See Page 23 second-string players for team’s poor results

Ottis Gibson

Sarwan aiming to don maroon colours again

By Calvin Roberts FORMER Guyana and West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan yesterday told Chronicle Sport he is aiming to don the maroon colours once again, since he feels he has a lot more in him to contribute to West Indies cricket.

The 33-year-old Sarwan, who played 87 Test matches and scored 5 842 runs at an average of 42.01 with 15 tons and a highest score of 291 against England five years ago, had just enjoyed a wonderful net session with the national squad at the Everest Cricket Club ground, where he was seen stroking the ball confidently.

“I would just hope that Sarwan can come to the party. I think this tournament would be a decisive one for Ramnaresh Sarwan and the West Indies still need Sarwan, but Sarwan needs to be the Sarwan we know of old. His commitment to date has

been good and we are looking forward for him to do well.”

Those were comments made earlier by the manager of the Guyana team for the past two years, Alvin Johnson, who is a former president of the Essequibo Cricket Board and vice-president (Administration) of the Guyana Cricket Board.

Asked to comment on such a statement, Sarwan, who has to date played 215 first class matches where he has scored 13 221 runs at an average of 39.11 with 33 tons said, “As long as I am playing I still think I have a chance of representing the West Indies and the people of this country and that is my ultimate goal.

“People would have their opinions and you cannot take that away from them. I just have to go out there and do what needs to be done in the interest of the team.”

Looking at the early preparation the team has been under-

going ahead of this month end’s West Indies Cricket Board/ NAGICO Super50 tournament, the Chaplinesque right-hander said it has been a while since he saw a national team from Guyana undergo such intense preparations.

“I think over the year, this is the most intense preparation we’ve had.”

He added, “Quiet honestly, I think the only time we have trained so hard as a unit is way back in youth cricket days when Patrick Legall was the manager and even further back when Shiv (Chanderpaul) and those guys played and they had a group of trainers. But as a senior national team, it is the most intense I have undergone since I’ve been playing for Guyana.

“However, it is pretty good, everyone is working, helping out each other even though it is quite new to some of the guys, but they all seem to be enjoying it, even though they do get tired

which is obvious, as we are all human.”

Quizzed on whether some of the guys who are being pushed beyond their limits can experience a ‘burnout’ ahead of the tournament, the soft-spoken Sarwan said, “I don’t know about the burnout aspect of it. I think most of the players have been playing cricket and they are fit.

“I think in terms of the training, the coaches or whoever is in charge of that will have to manage it to ensure there is no ‘burnout’ and so far they have been doing a pretty good job to date.”

“Obviously, I think it is an advantage in terms of us preparing early, as over the years we’ve had problems with the weather and stuff like that, so this early encampment gives us a chance to gel together more as a team and more importantly get some more cricket before the tournament starts.”

G u y a n a a re g ro u p e d with defending champions Windward Islands, dethroned

See Page 20

Former Guyana and West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan was caught by Chronicle Sport photographer Adrian Narine playing a forward defensive shot during his net session at the Everest Cricket Club ground yesterday.

Scores turn out on the ‘West Side’ for Slingerz victory parade Eastman to tackle Richmond GBBC 31st Guyana Fight night

See Page 20

Slingerz FC striker Devon Millington with one of the club’s supporters during Sunday’s motorcade pit-stop

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

for super middleweight title on January 26

FORMER national and European middleweight champion Howard Eastman will tackle Derrick Richmond on January 26 for the super middleweight title of Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The 12-round bout, which is the feature on a four-fight professional card that will also have four amateur fights, has already attracted much attention among the boxing fraternity and boxing fans.

Fresh from his fourthround stoppage of James `Sacks’ Walcott on Boxing night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Richmond should be beaming with confidence ahead of his bout against an opponent who has literally ‘passed through the

Howard Eastman mill’ having fought some real world-raters and champions over a period of time.

Both Richmond and Eastman hail from the Ancient County of Berbice, so whichever boxer wins, the glory of having a National super middleweight champion among the populace will remain in Berbice.

Richmond won the-then vacant super middleweight ti-

See Page 20

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014